What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year globally recognised pre-university qualification for students aged 16-19. It combines rigorous academic study across six subject groups with core components - Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - developing critical thinking, research skills, and intellectual breadth.

How many subjects do IB students take?

IB Diploma students study six subjects - one from each subject group. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Students also complete the three core components: TOK, EE, and CAS.

What is the difference between HL and SL?

Higher Level (HL) subjects are studied in greater depth with additional content and more demanding assessments. HL subjects typically require around 240 teaching hours compared to approximately 150 hours for Standard Level (SL) subjects. Universities often use HL grades for admissions decisions.

How is the IB Diploma scored?

Each of the six subjects is graded from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), giving a maximum of 42 subject points. An additional 3 bonus points can be earned through exceptional performance in TOK and the Extended Essay, making the maximum possible score 45 points. The minimum passing score is 24 points with no more than one failing grade.

What are TOK, EE, and CAS?

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a course exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines. The Extended Essay (EE) is a 4,000-word independent research project supervised by a mentor. Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires students to engage in experiences outside the classroom - arts, physical activity, and community service. Together, TOK and EE contribute up to 3 bonus points.

Is the IB Diploma recognised internationally?

Yes. The IB Diploma Programme is recognised by universities in over 90 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and across Europe. Many leading universities specifically recognise and value the IBDP for its academic rigour and breadth.

Which IB subjects does IBGradeUp support?

IBGradeUp provides IB tutoring for Mathematics AA and AI, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, and Business Management at Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). Additional subject support, including Computer Science and English, is available depending on the student requirement.

Does IBGradeUp provide IA and EE guidance?

Yes. IBGradeUp provides structured support for Internal Assessments (IA) and Extended Essays (EE) across supported subjects. Our mentors guide students through research question development, structure, data analysis, and revision cycles - aligned to the IB rubric at every stage. We also provide TOK support.

IBDP Tutoring & Mentorship

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Academic Support

Expert online IBDP tutoring and offline home tuition across subjects, coursework, and core programme components.

Subject Specific Support

6 subjects

IBDP MathematicsAA & AI — HL & SL
IBDP PhysicsHL & SL
IBDP ChemistryHL & SL
IBDP BiologyHL & SL
IBDP EconomicsHL & SL
IBDP Business ManagementHL & SL

Coursework Support

5 components

IBDP Internal Assessment (IA)Research, analysis & evaluation
IBDP Extended Essay (EE)4,000-word independent research
IBDP Theory of Knowledge (TOK)Essay & exhibition support
IBDP Exam PreparationPast papers, strategy & revision
IBDP Predicted Grades SupportPerformance & grade optimisation

One-to-One TutoringOnline TutoringHome TuitionHL & SL SupportPersonalised Learning Plans

The IBDP Structure

Subject Specific Support

Expert IBDP tutoring for Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) students.

HL & SL

IBDP Mathematics AA & AI

Analysis & Approaches for conceptual depth, calculus, and proof. Applications & Interpretation for statistics, modelling, and real-world problem solving.

AlgebraFunctionsCalculusStatisticsProbabilityMathematical ModellingExam Techniques

HL & SL

IBDP Physics

Mechanics, waves, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, nuclear and quantum physics with conceptual clarity and exam strategy.

MechanicsElectricity and MagnetismWavesThermal PhysicsFieldsModern PhysicsData Analysis

HL & SL

IBDP Chemistry

Structure, bonding, kinetics, thermodynamics, and organic chemistry. Foundational support for HL sciences and medicine pathways.

StoichiometryEnergeticsEquilibriumAcids and BasesOrganic ChemistryExperimental Analysis

HL & SL

IBDP Biology

Cells, genetics, ecology, evolution, and physiology taught through systems-level understanding with IBDP IA support.

Molecular BiologyGeneticsHuman PhysiologyEcologyEvolutionBiological Data Analysis

HL & SL

IBDP Economics

Microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade, and development with IBDP IA commentary and extended response mastery.

MicroeconomicsMacroeconomicsGlobal EconomicsDevelopment EconomicsData Response TechniquesEssay Writing

HL & SL

IBDP Business Management

Strategy, operations, finance, HRM, and marketing with HL extension topics and IBDP IA business plan support.

Business OrganisationMarketingFinanceOperations ManagementHuman Resource ManagementStrategic Decision Making

Coursework Support

Support beyond subject tutoring to help students succeed across every component of the IBDP.

HL & SL

IBDP Internal Assessment (IA)

Topic selection, structure, research feasibility, methodology, and rubric-aligned support for IBDP Internal Assessments.

Research DesignMethodologyAnalysisEvaluationWriting

HL & SL

IBDP Extended Essay (EE)

A 4,000-word independent research paper supported through research planning, structure, draft review, and refinement.

Topic SelectionResearch PlanningEssay StructureDraft ReviewFinal Refinement

HL & SL

IBDP Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Support for the IBDP TOK essay and exhibition, with a focus on argument development, critical thinking, and evaluation.

TOK EssayTOK ExhibitionArgument DevelopmentCritical ThinkingEvaluation Skills

HL & SL

IBDP Exam Preparation

Past papers, strategies, timetable planning, time management, and performance analysis for IBDP exam preparation.

Past Paper PracticeRevision PlanningExam StrategyTime ManagementPerformance Analysis

HL & SL

IBDP Predicted Grades Support

Targeted improvement in key subjects and coursework components to strengthen progress and predicted grade outcomes.

Coursework PerformanceAssessment ImprovementProgress TrackingGrade Optimisation

IBDP Tuition and Mentorship

Choose the format that fits the student's schedule, location, and learning style.

Online IBDP Tutoring

Our fully online platform makes world-class IBDP tutoring accessible from anywhere in the world, with flexible scheduling including weekends and evenings.

One-to-One LessonsInteractive LearningGlobal AccessibilityFlexible Scheduling

IBDP Offline Home Tuition

Face-to-face support with personalised learning and home-based instruction for students who work best with in-person guidance.

Face-to-Face SupportPersonalised LearningHome-Based Instruction

Hybrid Learning

Online and offline flexibility helps students maintain continuity, convenience, and consistent IBDP support throughout the year.

Online + Offline FlexibilityContinuityConvenience

IBDP Essentials

How the IB Diploma Programme Works

A parent-and-student guide to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the IBDP curriculum, IBDP subjects, coursework, assessment, and the score out of 45.

2 Years

Globally recognised pre-university qualification

AGE

16-19

Typical student age range

SUBJ

Subjects across six subject groups

HL/SL

3 + 3

Three HL subjects and three SL subjects

MAX

45 pts

Maximum total score

INTL

90+

Countries where universities recognise the IBDP

Curriculum Structure

Six subject groups around the IB core.

Group 1

Language & Literature

Group 2

Language Acquisition

Group 3

Individuals & Societies

Group 4

Sciences

Group 5

Mathematics

Group 6

The Arts

TOK + Extended Essay + CAS

TOK and EE can contribute up to 3 bonus points. CAS is mandatory for IBDP completion.

What is the IBDP?

A two-year academic programme for students aged 16-19.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a globally recognised pre-university pathway that helps students build strong subject knowledge while developing the habits universities expect: critical thinking, research skills, independent learning, clear communication, and international-mindedness.

Global university recognition

University-style research and writing

Critical thinking across subjects

Independent learning routines

Communication and presentation skills

International-mindedness and perspective

Six academic subjects

Students usually choose one IBDP subject from each group, balancing breadth with depth.

IBDP TOK

Theory of Knowledge develops arguments about how knowledge is built, tested, and challenged.

IBDP EE

The Extended Essay is a 4,000-word independent research essay that prepares students for university writing.

IBDP CAS

Creativity, Activity, Service asks students to learn through practical experiences beyond exams.

IBDP Subjects

The six subject groups

The IBDP curriculum is organised into six subject groups. Many students take an arts subject in Group 6, while others choose an additional subject from sciences, individuals and societies, or languages to support university goals.

Group 1

Studies in Language and Literature

IBDP English Language and LiteratureIBDP English Literature

Group 2

Language Acquisition

SpanishFrenchMandarin

Group 3

Individuals and Societies

IBDP EconomicsIBDP Business ManagementIBDP PsychologyIBDP HistoryIBDP GeographyIBDP Global Politics

Group 4

Sciences

IBDP BiologyIBDP ChemistryIBDP PhysicsIBDP Computer Science

Group 5

Mathematics

IBDP Mathematics AAIBDP Mathematics AI

Group 6

The Arts

Visual ArtsTheatreFilmMusicAdditional subject from another group

Mathematics AA

IBDP Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

IBDP Mathematics AA is best suited to students who need stronger algebra, functions, calculus, proof-style thinking, and abstract problem solving.

EngineeringPhysicsMathematicsComputer Science

Mathematics AI

IBDP Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation

IBDP Mathematics AI is a strong fit for students who use statistics, modelling, technology, data analysis, and applied problem solving.

BusinessEconomicsSocial SciencesData-focused disciplines

Higher Level vs Standard Level

Choosing HL and SL subjects

Most students take 3 Higher Level subjects and 3 Standard Level subjects. Some students take 4 HL and 2 SL when university requirements or subject strengths justify the extra workload.

3 HL + 3 SL

The common balanced route.

4 HL + 2 SL

A heavier route for selected students.

Higher Level (HL)

Greater depth
More content
More advanced study
Often important for university entry

Standard Level (SL)

Balanced workload
Broad understanding
Strong academic foundation
Space for six-subject breadth

The IBDP Core

TOK, EE, and CAS sit alongside the six subjects.

The core is where many students learn how to question assumptions, plan research, write academically, reflect on experiences, and manage long-term deadlines.

IBDP TOK

Knowledge, critical thinking, perspectives, the TOK Essay, and the TOK Exhibition.

Compare expert viewsAnalyse assumptionsBuild a clear claim

IBDP EE

Independent research, a 4,000-word essay, academic writing, and university preparation.

Research questionSource evaluationDraft refinement

IBDP CAS

Creativity, Activity, and Service experiences beyond classroom assessment.

Music or design projectSport or fitness planCommunity volunteering

IBDP IA and Coursework

Internal Assessments build subject-specific investigation skills.

The IBDP IA is coursework completed during the programme. It contributes to final grades and usually asks students to investigate, analyse, present, or evaluate a topic through the methods of a specific subject.

Science investigationsMathematical explorationsEconomics commentariesOral assessmentsResearch projects

Assessment Structure

External Assessment

Examinations
Written papers
Timed responses
Final exam preparation

Internal Assessment

Coursework
Projects
Investigations
Presentations

IBDP score out of 45

The maximum diploma score combines six subject grades with up to 3 additional points from TOK and EE.

1-7

Each subject is graded from 1 to 7.

Six subjects can total up to 42 points.

TOK and EE can add up to 3 points.

University Preparation

Why universities value the IBDP

The IBDP gives admissions teams evidence that a student can manage academic breadth, sustained research, independent study, and demanding assessment cycles.

Research experience

Independent learning

Academic writing

Critical thinking

Time management

Problem solving

Global perspective

IBDP exam preparation

Coursework discipline

How support fits around the curriculum

IBDP tutoring for subjects, coursework, and exams

IBGradeUp supports IBDP online tutoring, IBDP home tuition, IBDP IA planning, IBDP TOK and IBDP EE guidance, and IBDP exam preparation across major Higher Level and Standard Level routes.

Diagnose gaps in IBDP English, IBDP Economics, sciences, and mathematics

Build topic plans for IBDP Biology, IBDP Chemistry, and IBDP Physics

Support IBDP Mathematics AA and IBDP Mathematics AI pathways

Plan IA, EE, TOK, and revision milestones before deadlines

Additional Subject Support

Additional IB Subjects Available

In addition to Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, and Business Management, support is available across a wide range of IB Diploma Programme subjects.

Computer Science (HL & SL)English (HL & SL)Other IB subjects by request

Common Questions

IB Diploma Programme FAQ

Key IBDP details preserved for students and parents comparing support options.

Book IB Support

Achieve Your Full Potential in the IB Diploma Programme

Whether you're looking for an IB Maths Tutor, IB Physics Tutor, IB Chemistry Tutor, IB Biology Tutor, IB Economics Tutor, IB Business Management Tutor, Online IB Tutoring, IB Home Tuition, IA Support, EE Guidance, TOK Support, Predicted Grades Support, or IB Exam Preparation, IBGradeUp provides personalised one-to-one academic support designed around your goals.

Subject Tutoring

HL & SL support across core IBDP subjects.

Coursework Support

IA, EE, TOK, predicted grades, and exam preparation.

Flexible Delivery

Online tutoring, home tuition, and hybrid learning.